"Thank you, Tilorean, that feels much better." Emarel still felt a bit stiff, but the wrappings and administration helped a ton in not hindering his walk as the group made their way to the coffee house.
Accepting a cup of the warm drink from the halfling proprietor, he introduced himself as he sat down. "Hello, Laria. I am Emarel. Your help and hospitality are greatly appreciated."
Emarel let the voices of the others talking about the day wash over him as he studied the group and the coffeehouse. The events of the day felt like a blur. One minute, he was on his own at a park, and suddenly he was here with people he had never met before today, a part of a rebel and criminal organization. It was crazy, and definitely not what he had been expecting in the least. When was the last time he had been a part of something that hadn't been just him and Mystana? Early in the academy, maybe. Even in Acisazi, he was more of an outsider scholar than anything else. This dynamic was one he was mostly unfamiliar with, but it seemed if he wanted to survive the goings-on of Kintargo, it would be best to stay with his new friends.
Waving a hand and saying a small incantation, Emarel summoned a glowing image of his own hand in front of him. Holding the coffee cup brought comfort and warmth to him, and he didn't feel like letting go of that for this next task. Commanding it mentally, Emarel had the magical hand go into his pack and pull out a journal, along with a writing instrument. It brought them up to the table and set them down, flipping to a blank page. As Emarel continued to listen and sip at his coffee, the hand started to write out the important details of the day and a record of the conversations had, using the unique script Emarel employed. Enara, Tilorean, Jilvi, Lucius, Hemdar...and Emarel. Rebels. Emarel smiled, inwardly. Perhaps this group thing wasn't too bad at all.
"The lot of you seem to have some resolve," Laria says after you speak. "We need folks like you to make this work. Given your timing, I would assume you're taking Rexus to the livery tomorrow? Please take good care of him for me. With that..."
Laria stands and leads you all out of her office, up the stairs, and into a room lined with beds. "I don't exactly have the most quality accommodations here, but for now they should suffice. Should you need anything, just let myself or a member of my staff know. Most of them live here, and all of them know what kind of person that I am."
Curfew is fast approaching. Moving through the city is more dangerous for you than ever. Something is brewing here in Kintargo—something that you have put yourself in the center of. Fair Fortune Livery may have some of the answers you seek, and on the morrow you'll travel there with Rexus.
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Enara throws herself onto a bed adjacent to Jilvi's, where a sharp pain in her side reminds her she's still wearing her rapier. She quickly removes it, then sets it aside along with her shortbow and dagger. Sighing, she puts down another dagger, and another knife, and then two more. Plus some arrows. Why did I bring all of this to a protest?
Turning to Jilvi, Enara says, "We're in it now, aren't we? What did you mean about 'doing it right' this time?"
Heading upstairs, Lucius continued to yawn. To be sure, the days events and excitement were weighing on him, every bit as much as his heavy armor was. Finding a bed, Lucius tested it with one hand to see if it would support his weight, after which he frowned and muttered "Better play it safe." Taking some time, he removed his armor and fell onto the bed.
Before passing out though, Lucius suddenly opened his eyes and pulled himself up again. Kneeling by the bed, Lucius said some quiet prayers for about ten to fifteen minutes, during which time he appeared lost in thought and relatively calm and at ease. Finally his eyes opened, and he crawled slowly back into the bed, and let out a heaving sigh. In what only seemed like a matter of moments, the brawny warrior was fast asleep, snoring quietly.
As he gets ready to try to rest in this strange bed and unknown building, Til takes some solace in taking off and carefully laying his things under the bed, his blade two feet from the leg on the head end, where he always keeps it, in case.
Nothing good is going to come from the scene in the courtyard today. I hope the people punished for our choices can forgive us before this is over.
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"We're in it now, aren't we? What did you mean about 'doing it right' this time?"
Jilvi doesn't answer for a long time. "I was a kid when the Andoran Revolution started, and I participated. Nothing major, mind you, but I took part in street actions, made posters and wrote pamphlets, even scrapped with some pro-nobility militia types. And we won! Or so we thought. Turns out all the nobles who surrendered their titles and formal legal privileges got to keep their wealth and most of their privileges--just informally, mind you. Andoran's not a bad place to live compared to places like Cheliax, but the bastards who drove the nation to revolution before? Their kids and grandkids are still strutting around the halls of power, nobles in all but name."
The gnome rolls over to look at Enara, her expression hard. "If we're going to fight Thrune--and after today I don't see any choice other than running--then I want to do it right this time. No keeping the old guard around, at least not in positions of wealth and power."
Expression softening, she hesitates a second and then continues. "Are you holding up okay? You killed three people today..."
Opting for a bed near the back, Emarel set down his bow and gear, and sat down. Flipping through his things, he realized that he had used about half his arrows in today's events. It would probably help to stock up before they headed to the livery in the morrow, as who knew what they would encounter. He could bring it up in the morning. It seemed everyone was getting ready for bed, and he didn't want to cause a disturbance. It had been a long day for them all.
Emarel was curious to find out what was at this livery. Even moreso, however, he wanted to learn about this secret Order of Archivist's that existed. The knowledge they possessed must be staggering, for fighting against the rule of an empire was no easy feat. He was sure that they would have a wealth of knowledge, that hopefully he could peruse. Perhaps even something on the strange bells that he had come to study. It was definitely an exciting prospect.
But, he didn't feel right using the chaos and suffering of others just for his advantage. Being wanted by the government now, he was a part of the revolution and if he wanted any help from them, he had to reciprocate.
He lay down, thinking again, as he often did, of his time spent in Kyonin. With Mystal, and on his own. He had always been content being separate from the rest of the people around him. But did he want more? He wasn't entirely sure. This was the chance to be a part of something bigger, and do something for those who needed it. Maybe he wasn't suited for it, but he would do his best. After all, it was probably what Mystana would have done, and he trusted her.
Adjusting his blankets and closing his eyes, Emarel fell asleep to memories of his forest and sister, bringing him peace.
Enara listens quietly to Jilvi's story. It was always strange to think about how much older the gnome was. Enara's parents hadn't even been born when her friend was already a revolutionary in a foreign country. And Jilvi was right, it wouldn't be enough to just go back to how things were before Barzillai. she had seen enough abuses of the lower class in her short life to know that it wasn't a problem he'd brought with him.
When Jilvi asks Enara her own question, she blinks in surprise and pauses before answering. "I don't know. It felt like the right thing to do, and I don't regret it at all. But I keep seeing and feeling my sword go through that dottari's neck and every time I do my stomach tries to crawl up out of my mouth." Enara shakes her head and turns away, rubbing at her eyes. "Not three. Five."
After some much needed sleep (restful for some, restless for others) you are awoken by Laria's staff with some free coffee and breakfast to start your day. Downstairs Rexus is awake and chatting with Laria, and after all of you get a chance to eat and gear up Rexus gets you on the road to the Fair Fortune Livery. It is back across the river, so the trip does take a decent amount of time to get there.
While passing through the Devil's Nursery on your way to the livery, however, you round a corner and the group finds itself face-to-face with four dottari guards. One of them, after just a moment of examination, locks eyes with Lucius. "You look an awful lot like the man Nox has us on the lookout for," they say, putting a hand over the haft of the mace dangling from their belt. "The lot of you had better come with us down to the Opera house for a chat. I'm sure Nox will treat you just fine."
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Gods dammit, Jilvinirri steps right up to the Dottari sergeant, glaring daggers at him. "Idiot! Ass!" she hisses at him loudly enough for her companions to hear, as her hair darkens and into black and red in the symbol of Thrune. "Are you trying to muck up the Lord Mayor's operations? Use your damned brain, if you have one! Taborius," she jabs a thumb at Lucius sharply, "is an inquisitor chosen specifically for his ability to infiltrate would-be rebel groups! Back off, and tell Nox to stick to her jurisdiction and stay the Hells out of ours!"
She steps away, her hair returning to its previous color while she stares at the guards with baleful expectation.
Enara says nothing, content with just watching the con artist work her magic on these goons.
As Jil's plan becomes clear, Til starts shaking his head and looks at Enara as he says "Amateurs."
The guard that Jilvi approaches looks very confused, and though Tilorean's interjection does not appear to help with the ruse they scoff and take their hand off their mace. "Well, if you have reason to be here I'd rather save myself the trouble. Carry on with whatever secret business you have. The less we have to deal with Nox the better."
The other dottari nod in agreement and begin to leave and get back to patrolling the Nursery.
After they make it a ways off, Rexus lets out a much needed sigh of relief. "That hair trick really seems like it can come in handy. We should do our best to avoid any more notice on the way to the Livery. I doubt it'll work twice in a row."
"I never get tired of seeing that. Well done, Jilvi!"
Hemdar nods in thanks to Jilvi, then a look of thought crosses his face. He looks to Tictic, who has returned to their perch on Hemdar's shoulder once the dottari pass by, having hid behind it when they appeared.
"Do you think you could make some wings and fly up to see if any more of those people in metal are coming?"
In response, small leaves emerge from the leshy's back and Tictic eagerly leaps into the air. The wing-like leaves prove insufficient for flight, however, and Hemdar is forced to catch the leshy before they fall to the ground.
"Right. Sorry. I think it'll take some time and energy before you can use new growths."
Emarel nodded in agreement to Enara's comment. "Well done, indeed." Gnommish magic could perhaps be a bigger help than he thought in their hiding, especially if more of the dottari were as easily deceived as these had been. He loosened the hard grip he had unconsciously set around his bow, and surveyed the area as they walked for any other signs of a possible disruption.
The rest of the way to the Livery is thankfully uneventful. "I have yet to really scout this place out, so we should do our best to be cautious. Who knows what sorts of things have taken residence here since it shut down." Rexus draws a fine rapier emblazoned with a glowing rune on its blade near the hilt. "Now, lets see what our options are..."
As Rexus begins to think about his options, however, the sounds of dogs barking approach from the inside of the Livery. Though there is a lock on the large front doors, they are far enough ajar for a rabid dog to dash out and attack Lucius. You still hear more barking from inside.
The rabid dog lashes out at Lucius, but its teeth find no purchase on account of the champion's armor.
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Watching the big dog squeeze his way past the small gap in the doors, Emarel was amazed at just how resourceful animals could be. It was a shame this one was rabid and was attacking them. Luckily, it seemed Lucius hadn't been injured at all. Hoisting his bow that he had drawn when they were getting close, Emarel produced a small flame in his hand, drew it into the shape of an arrow on the bowstring, and fired at the hound. He then traced a small sigil in the air in front of him and said another spell, ending with a magical outline of a shield left in front of him.
Emarel's arrow of flame streaks past Enara and Lucius, hitting the rabid dog dead on and setting its fur alight!
Hemdar is saddened at being forced to fight animals, having lived peacefully with them in the past. He recognizes the signs of rabies, however, and resolves to kill this one quickly so it does not suffer needlessly. He blasts the dog with cold, but it is much to fast and the magic only succeeds in chilling a small patch of the ground. He then speaks another incantation, granting Lucius a sliver of supernatural aid.
Hemdar's ray misses its flaming target, and just a moment later four smaller dogs rush out of the Livery.
P
One of the dogs rushes right at Enara and attempts to bite her but misses her by a hair. The other dog that makes it up to the party manages to bite Hemdar, leaving a puncture wound on his calf.
Til begins a composition, striding around so he can reach L1, whom he tries to skewer.
Frowning as the rabid dog started leaping at him, Lucius shook his head. Shame to have to put down such a pitiful creature, but it's the merciful thing to do at this point. Raising his shield and drawing his sword, Lucius sets about to make short work of the creature.
Seeing the dog attack Hemdar, Lucius bellows at it with an attention grabbing kick "Over here you mangy mut!" A swift second later, Lucius brings his sword to bare on the aggressive little beast.
Enara recoils from the rabid dog, fearful of being infected. She then counterattacks with the rapier and dagger she had drawn as they approached the livery.
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Lucius slashes twice with his sword at the largest of the dogs, missing one but connecting on the other, slaying the beast with a solid blow. As a smaller dog attacks Hemdar, he slices to intercept and fells the beast outright.
Enara attacks the dog that bit at her and lands three attacks in quick succession, felling the beast rather handily.
"Poor things," Not certain how to help, Jilvinirri draws a dagger and hurls it at the nearest dog.
Hemdar winces as the dog's teeth graze his leg, turned partially aside by Lucius. Recalling a spell he saw used by the church of Asmodeus, he focuses his magic into a floating shield of force. He then fires another freezing blast at one of the remaining rabid dogs.
Rexus makes a sigil in the air with one hand and speaks a few words in Thassilonian. A moment later he tosses a glob of acid and misses wildly. Cursing under his breath and shaking his head, he speaks another ancient word and raises a magical shield.
Hemdar's ray hits the closest rabid dog, dealing it a significant blow.
Watching the other dogs be put down in rapid succession, Emarel again felt remorse. It was necessary for them to continue, but he didn't have to like it. He put an arrow up to his bow, setting it alight with magical electricity, and fired at the dog directly in front of him, with the magic branching off at the last remaining one as well.
Emarel's arrow misses the first rabid dog, landing between its front legs. The arc of electricity, however, hits both the initial target and arcs to the other with great effect, felling both of the unfortunate beasts.
"Is everyone alright?" Rexus asks, looking around for more threats. "Glad I had the six of you with me, that's for sure! We should be careful moving forward—who knows what other manner of beasts have made their nest inside."
Rexus moves forward to the large front doors and inspects them. "I think we could squeeze in the same way the dogs did, though if anyone has skills picking locks we may be able to get this chain off in case of a later escape."
"Poor dogs," says Enara, once the last of them has fallen. "Hemdar, are you okay? Did they break your skin?"
Stepping up next to Rexus, she takes a look at the chain's lock and begins pulling out her tools. "Good idea. I can take care of this, no problem." With that, her face takes on an expression of focus and she starts working on unlocking the chains.
Enara picks the lock with ease, and as soon as it falls off the chain it held together falls to the ground and the doors swing inward unnaturally quick.
This aged stable leans slightly to one side, its roof precariously
propped up by aged wooden walls. The air reeks of stale
urine. Broken desks, scuffed tables, and torn chairs crowd the
thirteen horse stalls, all of which are covered with a healthy
layer of dust. A grated-off alcove along the southeast wall
seems to house the only relatively intact wares.
Jilvi checks the street to see if the fight against the dogs had drawn any undue attention, following after the others have gone inside.
"Anybody hurt?" she asks, scanning the ceiling and rafters for any more surprises.
"I'm good, they didn't get me," Enara says. Stepping inside, she wrinkles her nose at the smell and covers her mouth and nose with a hand. "What a wonderful smell we've discovered. Ugh."
Enara continues into the room, searching for anything that might be of interest to them.
As Jilvi looks up at the rafters, she is pretty sure that she catches a glimpse of a few opposum-like creatures skittering along. Taking into account the odd way the door moved just a moment ago, one conclusion immediately springs to mind: grimples. The dogs leaving the building may have emboldened their not-so-friendly shenanigans. It would be best to stay wary until the group finds their nest.
Enara searches the stables, and while most of them are filled with worthless junk a curiosity catches her eye. Nailed to the rafters some 15ft above is a ring that looks to be made of platinum. It looks like one could climb up there without too much difficulty.
Til will spend time searching one of the back offices, for now.
"Heads up, everyone, we're not alone in here. Looks like grimples are living here too. They've got a mean streak, and probably have a nest in the area."
Enara looks at Jilvi incredulously. "What the hell is a grimple? Did you make that word up?" As she says this, Enara starts climbing her way up into the rafters, trying to get that ring she spotted.
Having felled the remainder of the unfortunate dogs, Emarel tried to find the arrow that had missed its mark. Fortunately, he found it underneath the first dog, luckily undamaged. He picked it up and put it back in the quiver.
Walking into the building, Emarel grimaced at the smell that permeated the area. Clearly it had been abandoned for a while. He decided to start looking around and see if there was anything in the building that stood out, particularly in the back rooms, keeping an eye out for those grimples Jilvi mentioned. He thought he had heard of them before, but he couldn't be sure.
Enara makes an attempt to climb up and get the key, but falls as she gets near the ring. She manages to land on her feet rather gracelessly, suffering only a wound to her pride.
Emarel and Tilorean split up searching the two offices in the back. Tilorean finds an iron key in one of the drawers in the office he searches. Emarel's search yields no substantial results.
Shaking his head, Lucius responds "Nah, I'm fine. That dog didn't so much as scratch me. Everyone else okay?"
Entering the premise, Lucius holds out at the front, keeping watch as the others made their investigations. Sturdy a warrior as he was, Lucius had to admit that he wasn't always the most observant, so he no issue leaving that to the others.
At Jil's warning, Lucius scowls as he looks about "I have no idea what a grimple is, but they sound repulsive... and their living conditions seem to confirm that." Following the others toward the back, Lucius keeps his eye out for trouble with his shield raised.
Cursing her clumsiness, Enara resolves to make another go at the ring.
Hemdar looks down at his leg to inspect the wound and grimaces, both at the wound and the smell in the building."The wound itself is pretty minor, but that it's probably infected is more of a concern, but at least not an immediate one. If there's other creatures here, that's a more immediate problem."
He moves to help search the area, trying to find anything the others may have missed.
Lucius keeps an eye out for any potential threats while the rest of the party is searching. While most of that time is uneventful, Lucius does catch what appears to be five of the opossum-like grimples retreating via the rafters to the area beyond the iron grate.
Enara's second attempt to grab the ring goes much better, and after some careful climbing she retrieves it. It appears to be an old platinum Juliac signet ring. A swift appraisal on her part says the ring is likely worth about 40gp.
Hemdar's search of the back offices yields no treasure, though he does find some grmiple tracks in the cupboards that look like they lead into tunnels up to the rafters and down into the ground somewhere. The tunnels are a squeeze for a tiny creature, so there is no way the party could follow those as-is. Hemdar's knowledge of grimples tells him that they know a handful of cantrips to antagonize creatures with, but are otherwise rather feral in their means of offense. Their nest will likely contain trinkets stolen with castings of mage hand and whatever other shiny things they find.
Unable to find anything of note, Emarel instead made his way over to the grated alcove, and looks to see if anything of interest is laying around there.
In an excited whisper, Enara says, "Hey Jilvi, check this out!" She holds the ring up to show the gnome before stuffing it into her pocket. "Found the down payment for our super secret lair."
Pleased with her success so far (notwithstanding that embarrassing fall), Enara heads over to the locked grate and the goods it's protecting. Getting down on one knee, she peers into the lock for a moment before getting to work.
Letting out an impressed whistle, Jilvi gives her partner in crime a grin and follows her over to the grate. "Hey Rexus, any idea what we're looking for?"
As Enara sets up to work, Til clears his throat. "Want to see if this will work, first?" He asks, grinning, as he holds up the key he found in the other room.
If the key doesn't work, Till will offer to assist Enara if it seems possible (+6 bonus).
Assuming we get through the gate, Til will, with a great deal of help (not assuming he's primary, just assuming everybody will want to do the same thing), I assume, search the area beyond.
If not, he'll search the barn proper.